Alara’s secret: Chapter 1
Alara shifted in her plain white sheets, eyes closed tight as the streams of sunlight hits her eyelids. She wanted the night to last forever. She threw her blanket over her head to prevent more assault from the harsh sun. Fifteen more minutes of sleep, then she would wake.
Except her family had different ideas, she could hear shuffling of feet and hushed voices in the hallway. Mama would soon make her way here and start another sermon on why a girl shouldn’t still be asleep at this time of the day. She groaned at yesterday’s memory and her mother’s endless talk.
She jumped from the bed as the door opened, landing unsuccessfully on the floor still tangled in her sheets. Pain tore through her hip , she must have bruised it.
“I’m up already, Mama. She said quickly to avoid the ire of Mrs. Irede.
“You were still asleep, ehn, Alara . One day somebody will give you an award, best sleeper of the year. Her mum said, clicking her tongue. “Get up and start your chores” she said, not giving her a second glance as she left the room.
Alara nodded quickly, scrambling to get up from her sitting position. Her hip throbbed and she made a note to look for balm. She quickly brushed and made a way to the kitchen hoping her mother would have gone to the poultry or her room to prepare for work.
She passed her brother’s room and wondered if they were awake yet. She didn’t hear any sweeping outside. It was Ayo’s turn to sweep and he was still sleeping. God knew if it were her , the whole house wouldn’t have had peace.
Heading to the kitchen, she quickly grabbed the broom and swept through the kitchen, then the hallways before getting to the living room and the terrace. By then, her mom had left for work, leaving instructions on food preparations and the store.
Alara sighed , wishing for a minute her sister was here to help. Bisi always knew what to do at what time. It didn’t help that her brothers were lazy and uninterested in work.
She really needed help.
